A: I had a gentleman with a substance-abuse challenge who had two children. He refused to enter treatment if he had to surrender his children to social services. I found a spot for him in a program that allowed him to receive treatment while his children were cared for in another part of the facility as part of the program. When he graduated, he became the first person to enter our sober-living program, where he was allowed to keep his children with him. We have many stories like this.

Q: A lot of people retire before they’re 80 — why have you continued to work?

A: It keeps me young. I have no concept of retirement, no dreams for another life. My life is a dream, and I live it.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a duck. And yes, it lived!

Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A: Being with family and friends, a long stroll on Dog Beach with my dogs, and a little poker.